If You Grow

January 21, 2005|JON VANZILE

Interested in learning more about orchids? Here are some good sources:

The American Orchid Society, located west of Delray Beach, calls itself the "largest special-interest horticultural society" in the world. Its 30,000 members include dealers, breeders, growers and hobbyists.

The society's International Orchid Center and gardens are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children under 12. The AOS website, www.aos.org, has links to local orchid societies throughout South Florida. Call 561-404-2000.

Orchids are not hard to find -- look in virtually any garden center and there'll be at least a few phalaenopsis for sale. But not all orchid dealers are equal. Here are a few of the best in Broward and southern Palm Beach county and the species they are known for. Their hours vary, so call first before dropping by.

JEM Orchids: 6595 Morikami Park Road, west of Delray Beach, 561- 498-4308. JEM has an acre under shade and one of the largest selections of orchids in the southeastern United States. Specializing in catasetum, bulbophyllum, cattleya, vanda and paphiopedilum.